First Gen Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha)

A First-Generation Honor Society

The Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, was founded March 24, 2018 at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 2021, the First Gen Coordinating Council agreed to adopt the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society at Wichita State University in the fall semester of 2021. Tri-Alpha recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students.

WSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to join Tri-Alpha to support and advocate for the academic excellence first-generation college students.

A lifetime membership is achieved through the one-time national induction fee of $25 (for students) and $40 for faculty, staff, and alumni.

Students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria:

Have earned at least 30 credit hours towards a baccalaureate degree;
Have achieved an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
Neither of the student's parents, step-parents, nor legal guardians, have completed a bachelor's degree
Graduate students who are first-generation students can be admitted if they have completed the equivalent of at least one term of study (9 or more graduate credits) and have a GPA in their graduate program of at least 3.5.

Faculty and staff qualify for induction by meeting the definition of a first-generation student listed above at the time they completed their bachelor's degree. Faculty and staff must be willing to serve as mentors for first-generation students.

BENEFITS

A certificate and pin signify membership. An outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarship.
Opportunity to meet other first-gen scholars from all academic disciplines on your campus
Promote academic excellence and create a supportive environment for first-generation college students.
Identifies you to employers, professionals, and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and commitment.
Ability to mentor younger first-gen students.
Receive mentoring from more senior first- gen students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students. Local chapter leadership opportunities.